5 LinkedIn Profile Mistakes You Should Absolutely Avoid

LinkedIn profile mistakes can cost you opportunities that can better your career. Why you ask?

Well, LinkedIn is becoming a really important networking tool as well as a place to find jobs. This is because organisations post job openings on their LinkedIn profiles and you can also communicate directly with the managers.

If you are not on LinkedIn, it is high time you joined because you are virtually non-excitant.

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LinkedIn profile mistakes to avoid

1. Not Having a Profile Picture

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is leaving your profile picture blank. Profiles with pictures are more likely to get viewed as opposed to the ones without.

It is important to ensure that you put up a profile picture of yourself the moment you get a LinkedIn profile.

2. Using the Wrong Profile Picture

Other than just having a picture, you need to have the right picture on your profile. Linked in is not like other social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook.

This is a professional platform and as such should be treated that way. The profile picture you use should be professional and of you. There is no point in using your pet’s picture or a picture of you and a friend.

READ ALSO >>> 4 Areas To Polish On Your LinkedIn Profile To Get A Job Faster

3. Using the Default Connection Request

Connection request on linked in is a great way to introduce yourself to people in your industry and create networks.

Therefore, using the default connection message not only shows the lack of creativity but it also doesn’t set you apart from the rest of the crowd.

Imagine sending the MD of an organisation the normal connection message and someone else sending a personalised message, the MD is likely to remember the one with the personalized message as opposed to the one with the default one.

The whole point of LinkedIn is to stand out in order to get jobs. Therefore, before sending a connection request it is important that you personalize it so as to show your creativity and true interest in the person and position.

4. Not Using the Privacy Settings

Just like any other form of job search, if you are currently employed and are looking for another job, it is important that your current employer does not find out.

People have lost their jobs because of this LinkedIn profile mistake. Forgetting to put privacy settings when actively job hunting on LinkedIn will enable your employer to see that you are looking elsewhere and as such may end up firing you.

READ ALSO >>> 9 Ways To Use LinkedIn For Your Job Search

5. Having no Summary

The summary is an important part of your profile. You should therefor avoid the mistake of not having one.

Sadly most people fall victim to this LinkedIn profile mistake. Nowadays writing a career objective in your CV is not really encouraged but when it comes to LinkedIn it is very important that you have one.

The summary is basically a career objective. Having one will set you apart from the rest who do not.

It is therefore very important that you ensure you avoid any LinkedIn profile mistakes since that could be the difference between you getting that job or not.

By Michelle Wanjiku

If you would like to get professional career advice email lucy@corporatestaffing.co.ke